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Mazan-l'Abbaye walks
Around Mazan-l’Abbaye
Visorando Member
13.83 mi
+1,608 ft
-1,591 ft
5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Mazan-l'Abbaye (Ardèche)
A short horse ride around Mazan-l’Abbaye, allowing you to explore this pretty village with the ruins of the old abbey. The route takes you through part of the Mazan Forest to reach Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne and then the hamlet of Laligier. This ride alternates between sections through woodland, pastures and across the Mazan plateau, offering varied views of the Ardèche Plateau.
Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne route
1.85 mi
+341 ft
-335 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Cirgues-en-Montagne (Ardèche)
A loop route returning to the starting point, mostly along the hillside with beautiful panoramic views and close to the historic site of Mazan Abbey.
From the Roux tunnel to Montpezat via the ridges between Ardèche and Fontaulière
12.96 mi
+1,952 ft
-3,389 ft
7h 40
Difficult
Departure from Le Roux (Ardèche)
Passing through the abandoned villages of Vauclare and then Chaumiène, this walk initially follows the route of the railway line that was never completed between Aubenas and Le Puy, then climbs through a beautiful beech forest before reaching the ridge between Ardèche and Fontaulière, offering magnificent views of the Ardèche plateau and the Tanargue on the other side.
The Serre de la Pierre Plantée from the start at Cros de Boutazon
10.42 mi
+1,276 ft
-1,306 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Astet (Ardèche)
A round-trip hike, but with four circular loops that offer a variety of scenery.
The entire section along the ridge offers a stunning panorama of the successive mountain ranges of the Ardèche.
Lanarce peat bogs
10.05 mi
+666 ft
-663 ft
5h 10
Easy
Departure from Lanarce (Ardèche)
This route, starting from Le Taillet, passes through peat bogs and forests, with views of the Gerbier des Joncs.
L'entrée du tunnel du Roux en boucle depuis l'Air
6.35 mi
+1,171 ft
-1,155 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Le Roux (Ardèche)
Warning: do not attempt this hike until further notice (reopening scheduled for 2027)!The Cévenol storm in October 2024 caused a landslide above the point (4), which completely destroyed the communal path. A municipal notice prohibiting passage has been posted. There is no alternative route on this part of the circuit.
A mid-season hike in spring or autumn starting from L'Air (or L'Herm), with varied landscapes and sections on quiet paved roads. Beautiful views of the Vauclare and Fontaulière valleys.
Above Rieutord
8.37 mi
+1,132 ft
-1,125 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Usclades-et-Rieutord (Ardèche)
A walk that does not descend into deep valleys and offers lovely views in all directions, both of the Mezenc and, in the distance, of the Ventoux.
Rieutord circular, Cros du Loup, Les Oulettes, Le Pal, knoll de Bauzon
10.30 mi
+1,535 ft
-1,516 ft
6h 05
Moderate
Departure from Usclades-et-Rieutord (Ardèche)
Around the knoll of Bauzon, a young Strombolian volcano, there are numerous hiking trails.
This route combines the volcanic part of the area with the discovery of a section of the Atlantic-Mediterranean watershed.
Rocher des Taillades
8.04 mi
+2,910 ft
-2,910 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Mayres (Ardèche)
The Rocher des Taillades, one of the peaks of the Serre de la Croix de Bauzon at an altitude of over 1,400 metres, offers a unique view of the upper Ardèche valley.
Chaumiène - Montlaur - Peyralade
6.78 mi
+2,976 ft
-2,972 ft
5h 45
Difficult
Departure from Mayres (Ardèche)
A beautiful circular along a very pretty trail offering splendid views of the valley, the village of Mayres and the mountain range on the opposite side for most of the climb.
A superb panorama awaits us at the summit, where we can see the Mézenc and Gerbier de Jonc, among others. Further in the distance, the Alps stand out in the background.
The climb to the Croix de Chaumiène
7.16 mi
+2,713 ft
-2,697 ft
4 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Mayres (Ardèche)
This very demanding route climbs steeply through the undergrowth on the high plateaus. From up there, the landscape over the Tanargue, directly above Mayres, takes on a whole new dimension. The descent back to the starting point is just as steep.
Rocher d'Abraham
9.25 mi
+3,524 ft
-3,520 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Mayres (Ardèche)
You are at the heart of the Ardèche. View of the Cevennes and the Gerbier de Jonc.
The Buisson circular route via Banne
2.35 mi
+794 ft
-810 ft
1h 45
Moderate
Departure from Mayres (Ardèche)
A lovely little walk along a picturesque path, though not without its challenges. I’ve classified it as moderately difficult, not because of its length or how strenuous it is, but because of its terrain: indeed, the path, which is very often sloping and slippery, requires agility and skill. I recommend taking walking poles.
It is situated on the south-facing slope, where it is often warm and very pleasant to walk on sunny winter days. There is a lovely view of the village of Mayres.
Cros de Géorand - Three streams and a dam
7.49 mi
+1,686 ft
-1,663 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Cros-de-Géorand (Ardèche)
At the confluence of three streams, the Gage, the Sagne-Morte and the Tauron, EDF built a dam known as the Gage dam (Moulin de Peyron on IGN maps) in the 1950s to supply the Montpezat-sous-Bauzon power station. I suggest you take a tour of the dam starting from Cros-de-Géorand, following a hiking route suggested by La Montagne Ardéchoise. You will discover magnificent landscapes as well as paths through beech woods that are over a hundred years old.
La Vestide du Pal in Montpezat-sous-Bauzon - Three volcanoes circular
Tourism professional
12.43 mi
+2,608 ft
-2,635 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Montpezat-sous-Bauzon (Ardèche)
The ancient Vestide du Pal volcano is what is known as a filled-in maar crater! Measuring approximately 1,700 metres in diameter and 150 metres deep, it may well be the largest maar crater in Europe.This route will take you along ancient Roman roads that link the valley to the plateau, passing through various vegetation zones.As well as this first volcano, there are two others to discover along the way: Lac Ferrand (a maar filled with water) and Le Chambon, the latter of which has been completely eroded.A volcanic hike, then...
Les Valadous
2.80 mi
+436 ft
-407 ft
1h 40
Moderate
Departure from Astet (Ardèche)
Although it is very flat, the summit of Les Valadous offers a 360° panorama of the Alps and the Massif Central.
The round trip from the Col du Pendu is a very easy family walk along wide, clearly marked tracks.
This route also features a balcony-like section along the edge of the plateau with an impressive bird’s-eye view of the upper Ardèche valley. This part of the route, on a poorly defined path, is more challenging and is reserved for more experienced hikers. It may also be temporarily inaccessible when this moorland is used for grazing (see practical information).
From one bank of the Fontaulière to the other
4.20 mi
+738 ft
-725 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Montpezat-sous-Bauzon (Ardèche)
A short walk from Montpezat to the hamlets of Les Grisières and Le Villaret, passing through a chestnut grove - the only slight difficulty on the route - and the humpback bridge, for a family outing.
Circular route around Barnas - La Farre
3.96 mi
+669 ft
-643 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Barnas (Ardèche)
After a glimpse of the upper Ardèche valley, this hike enters one of the many small valleys of the complex terrain of the Ardèche Cévennes. Take care on the RN102 (be careful when walking alongside it and crossing it).
From one side of the upper Ardèche valley to the other
6.45 mi
+1,407 ft
-1,381 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Barnas (Ardèche)
Around Barnas, this walk takes in a little-known section of the slopes of the upper Ardèche valley, though it does involve a stretch along the RN 102 (take care when walking alongside and crossing it).
Tour of Lake Issarlès
2.27 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
1h 05
Moderate
Departure from Le Lac-d'Issarlès (Ardèche)
Tour of Lake Issarlès, with its clear waters, in the ancient crater of a volcano.
Circular route from Croix de Bauzon to Col du Pendu, Le Bez, Les Chambons
9.26 mi
+1,345 ft
-1,348 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Souche (Ardèche)
A pleasant route in good weather with beautiful, unobstructed views of the Ardèche plateau.
The return through the forest after Les Chambons allows you to escape the heat of the ridges and, depending on the season, pick mushrooms.
La Tour des Poignets, between moorland and forest
9.08 mi
+1,391 ft
-1,381 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from La Souche (Ardèche)
Hike above the Col de la Croix-de-Bauzon, with the first part of the route in the forest and the second part on the ridge offering beautiful views. If you are lucky enough to do this short trip on a clear day, you will be able to see the Alps and Mont Ventoux on the horizon.
Abraham's Rock via the Tour des Poignets
6.44 mi
+1,663 ft
-1,654 ft
4h 25
Difficult
Departure from La Souche (Ardèche)
A very pleasant walk, part of which follows a ridge leading to the Tour des Poignets and offering a superb panoramic view of the Lozère Mountains, the Tanargue, Mont Gerbier de Jonc, the Mézenc, etc…All along the ridge, you can admire the Rocher d’Abraham ahead of you.After the climb over the rocks, reaching the summit reveals a metal sculpture by Pierre Louis Chipon, created in tribute to Jean Gilly, a great sportsman from the Ardèche.
The Gorges de la Borne, starting from Le Bez
8.15 mi
+1,867 ft
-1,883 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Ardèche
A magnificent hike to do in autumn; the colours are stunning. Make sure you wear suitable footwear as there are some stony paths.
The Gloria Friedmann Lighthouse from Borne
5.95 mi
+1,079 ft
-1,066 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Ardèche
In Ardèche, this circular hike takes you to the Gloria Friedmann Lighthouse, located on the watershed at the summit of Moure de l'Abéouradou.
The Knoll of Cherchemus from Lake Issarlès
6.38 mi
+1,276 ft
-1,266 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Le Lac-d'Issarlès (Ardèche)
This is a lovely walk with many views of Lake Issarlès from the Col de Gage and the Suc de Cherchemuse in particular, as well as the confluence of the Gage and the Loire and the surrounding mountains.
The diverse landscapes will allow you to discover the richness of the Ardèche plateau: lava flows, wild raspberry bushes, volcanic rocks, Scots pines, beech trees, larch trees and more.
The summit of Méjean via the Grand Tanargue plateau
9.63 mi
+1,132 ft
-1,122 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Ardèche
A hike on the highest part of the Tanargue ridge. With little elevation gain, you will enjoy magnificent views of the lower Ardèche, the Alps and the Ardèche plateau. In the height of summer, you will benefit from the coolness of the altitude and large shaded areas.
La Croix de Beauzon - Abraham Rock
Association / Club / Walk leader
6.12 mi
+1,775 ft
-1,765 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Ardèche
For all hikers, the Rocher d'Abraham can only be reached from Mayres. The circuit described below is for people who want to reach the summit with less effort. It can be done in an afternoon, is not particularly difficult, apart from the final ascent, and offers vast and magnificent landscapes throughout the route.
The forest and village of Les Chambons in Tanargue
12.75 mi
+1,562 ft
-1,585 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Ardèche
In the Tanargue massif, starting from the family ski resort of Croix de Bauzon, this hike takes you along trails in the heart of the Chambons National Forest, passing through the village of the same name.
From Grand Tanargue to the summit of Méjean via Ron de Coucoulude
10.25 mi
+1,411 ft
-1,394 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Ardèche
A hike on the highest part of the Tanargue ridge with magnificent panoramic views of the lower Ardèche, the Alps and the Ardèche plateau. The route has little elevation gain and is mostly on easy forest roads.
Coucouron circular
8.91 mi
+1,050 ft
-1,053 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Coucouron (Ardèche)
When it gets too hot in southern Ardèche, hiking in fine weather on the Ardèche plateau can be a good idea. This circular loop starting from a local centre mostly follows farm tracks or small roads, with beautiful views of the volcanic knolls in places.
Col des Langoustines from La Souche
4.87 mi
+2,280 ft
-2,267 ft
4h 15
Difficult
Departure from La Souche (Ardèche)
A beautiful, physically demanding trail through lovely forests and scree slopes, offering magnificent views of the Ardèche mountains from the ridge. See § practical information.
Circular loop around the village of La Souche
1.72 mi
+400 ft
-407 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from La Souche (Ardèche)
This walk takes you along one of the countless paths winding through the chestnut groves; best enjoyed in autumn, when the stunning colours are at their best. It is truly enchanting!
This walk is an invitation to continue exploring this magnificent Ardèche heritage.
April 2023: route modified at the request of a chestnut grove owner.
This change means walkers will have to cover a little more tarmac road (alas!)
More walks in Mazan-l'Abbaye
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